The KOYLI Light Infantry and Rifles
Regimental Association

On Sunday, November 1, 2026, members of the Wakefield Branch, including Jim and Trish Greenlee, along with Nigel Blackburn, Russ Snood, and Terry Metcalf from the Pontefract Branch, participated in the parade of veterans at the Nostell Priory Festival of Remembrance. Our KOYLI, LI, and Rifles Association Standards joined the parade of Standards. The Standard Bearers were Andy Kober, Rob Smith, and Colin Cranswick. The Last Post and Reveille were performed by Kev Fawcett. Rifl

With profound sadness, I inform members that Mr Ronald Blakey, late KOYLI, died on 16 October 2026 at the age of 95. Ron was a member of our Doncaster branch and attended branch and association events whenever his health permitted. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ron's wife Margaret, his family and friends during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you as you cope with this significant loss. As the bugle sounds 'No More Parades' and you

Theatre Royal Wakefield is presenting Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 October. From the author of War Horse, Private Peaceful tells the story of young soldier Tommo Peaceful, looking back on his childhood, family and relationship with his brother before confronting the realities of the First World War. As the Remembrance period approaches, it feels particularly poignant to be bringing this story to Wakefield, exploring themes of family, brot

From Doncaster Museum As part of our talks programme, we put on free ‘Ten Minute Talks’, which are free lunchtime spotlights of items in our collection. The next one, ‘Medical Stories From The First World War ’, will be delivered by me and I’ll be focussing on two recent acquisitions to the KOYLI collection (a glass eye and an X-ray) as well as the other medical advancements that took place during and after the war. It will take place in the Doncaster Museum space on the fi

Heritage Doncaster wants to learn more about life in a military family and gather oral history stories from relatives of serving personnel. Can you help us preserve these stories as part of Doncaster's museum and archive collections? Did you grow up in an Armed Forces family? Was your spouse, parent, or sibling in the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry? Did you live at RAF Finningley? Do you want to talk about your experiences? We want to hear from you! Find out more a

With profound sadness, I inform members that Mr Keith Alan Clennell Davison, late KOYLI and LI Band, died on 1 October 2026 at the age of 82. Keith attained the rank of WO2 (Band Serjeant Major). He was highly respected by all ranks and his fellow musicians in the Light Division Bands. As Band Serjeant Major at the Light Infantry School of Music, he shaped the military music career of many Light Infantry junior musicians, some of whom went on to become Bandmasters. We extend

THE RT HON WES STREETING MP Secretary of State MINISTRY OF DEFENCE FLOOR 5, MAIN BUILDING WHITEHALL, LONDON SW1A 2HB Tel: 020 7218 9000 (switchboard) 16 September 2026 As you may be aware, between 1967 and 2000, the Ministry of Defence upheld policy which prohibited LGBT personnel from serving in HM Armed Forces. ‘The Ban’ not only led to LGBT personnel having their careers cut short through no fault of their own but also led to inexcusable experiences including harassment, i

SWIFT recently underwent a facelift, and we have improved and simplified many features, including the navigation. To help you understand how to get the best out of it please watch this short instruction video here. Additionally, we want to let you know that in the near future SWIFT is going to be open to the remaining pillars of the regiment to join, and this includes RIFLES cadets and those in our communities, such as friends and family, who are over the age of 16. Because o

It is with deep regret that we have to report the death of Brigadier Tim Bevan, who died peacefully in hospital on Sunday 4th October 2026. Brigadier Bevan, a former Commanding Officer of 2LI, was highly respected by all ranks. Many members of our Association have served with him or know him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Brigadier Bevan's wife Penny, family, friends, and those who served with him during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are

City of Doncaster Council is committed to continually improving our understanding of, and support for, the Armed Forces community. The focus group will be held: Thursday 15th October 2026, from 4 pm to 7 pm in Linney Centre, Weston Road, Balby, Doncaster, DN4 8NF Please share the attached poster widely so we can hear from veterans, serving personnel, reservists, and family members who may access these services. The event is free; please scan the QR code to book your pla

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr Christopher Gerald Ward, late 8LI, who died on the 27th September 2026 at the age of 76. Chris was the MTO with 8LI and was highly respected by all ranks. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Chris's wife, family, friends, and those who served with him during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you as you cope with this significant loss. As the bugle sounds 'No More Parades' and you

The Association received an old KOYLI Leeds Branch Banner, found in an antique shop, during a presentation on 28 September at the Yorkshire Air Museum. Harriet Mann, the Visitor Operations and Commercial Manager at Yorkshire Air Museum, found the banner in an antique shop in Whitby. She generously sold it to the Association for the same price she paid. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Association Banner found in an antique shop in Whitby by Harriet Mann During the ceremony

On Saturday, 26 September, York Minster was the venue for a Regimental memorial service for The Rifles, Light Infantry, and KOYLI, bringing together the 5 Pillars. The service underscored the connections within The Rifles, across generations and communities, and highlighted the significance of its five pillars. The gathering included serving Riflemen, Rifles reservists, Rifles cadets, veterans, and communities, showcasing the Regiment’s vibrant community. The presence of the

Following our Spring Lunch, it was decided at the September Branch meeting to hold an Autumn (Nivelle) Lunch. The Lunch will be held at the Holmfield Arms, Wakefield on the 14th November 2026 (13.00-15.30). There is the Standard Menu and the Christmas Menu. Each individual to pay for their food and drink. Dress Men: Blazers and ties. If you wish to attend, can you please let me know ASAP and by no later than the 5th October 2026 Branch Members and RGJ Branch Members (includi

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr John William Heald, late KOYLI, who died on the 10th September 2026 at the age of 100. The Association recently learned about John after the RBL reached out to us. Members of the Association and Standard Bearers visited John and his family at his home in Leeds. We extend our heartfelt condolences to John's family and friends during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you as you cope w

The Rifleman’s Museum is creating a new gallery to tell the story of The Rifles since its formation in 2007, celebrating the history, customs, ethos, and role of The Rifles. It will cover the formation of The Rifles, Iraq, Afghanistan, the war with Russia, and today’s Regiment. Additionally, it is also building a public archive and library for reference and research into the Regiment. With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project is well underway, but

Disability Sport Yorkshire are launching a new Veterans Hub in Wakefield, and are looking to connect with local veterans and veteran organisations to help us spread the word. The Veterans Hub will be starting on: Thursday 8th October Every Thursday, 10am–12pm Location: Denhale Active Recreation Centre Denhale Avenue, Wakefield WF2 9EF The Hub will provide a welcoming and informal space for veterans to come together, meet other veterans, socialise and take part in a range of a

You may be aware of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill currently going through Parliament. General Nick Parker (late RIFLES) has established a scheme whereby a pre-written letter can be emailed to your MP asking them to support an amendment which would only allow historic cases to be investigated if genuinely new and compelling evidence came to light. Please take the time and trouble to read the document in the attached link SHOULDER TO SHOULDER | Support Veterans Now — T

Can you spare 3 hours a month? If so, Veterans for Veterans in Care would like to invite you to become a volunteer. As a volunteer, you would visit veterans who are in residential care homes to share a story, have a brew, and be a bit of good company for a few hours. Some care home veterans receive no visitors from family and friends, and a brew with fellow veterans or a serving member can really boost their spirits, allow them to reminisce, and make them feel they are not

Wakefield Armed Forces Covenant Officer has requested all military associations to share the following information: Hello, Help us find the veterans who are still owed justice, #BattleForLostVeterans2026 Fighting With Pride is the UK’s LGBTQ+ Armed Forces charity. We support, connect and advocate for LGBTQ+ veterans, serving personnel and their families, with a particular focus on those affected by the ban on LGBTQ+ people serving openly in the Armed Forces before 2000. F